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City of Philadelphia Digging In On Its Tree-Planting Mission

(A newly planted tree is unveiled at 19th and Market Streets by Paul Levy of the Center City District, left, and Michael DiBerardinis of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Credit: John McDevitt)

A newly planted tree was popping out of what looked like a giant wrapped holiday gift, assembled temporarily for the press conference today on Market Street near 19th. It’s one of four new trees in that location.
“We planted four of a total of 60 trees that have either have been planted or will be planted before the freeze this December,” noted Paul Levy, president and CEO of the Center City District.

Another 39 trees are expected to be planted in the spring.

It’s part of a larger effort. The Center City District and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Parks and Recreation have formed a partnership toward meeting the city’s goal of planting 300,000 trees by 2015. Thousands of dollars are being raised to increase the street canopy in Philadelphia.